Aged just 26 and solidly grounded in Europe, Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is without a doubt one of Kenya’s hottest football property at the moment. From the dusty open grounds of Kibra where it all began to a regular feature for one of Sweden’s most decorated clubs AIK Fotboll, Ouma’s steady rise in the game has been eye-catching.Christened Marcelo after the great Brazilian left back, the Kakamega High School Green Commandos’ old boy attributes his success to support and guidance. “You need to have someone who holds your hand for you to reach those higher levels,” the former Gor Mahia player told Mozzart Sport in an exclusive interview.Eric ‘Marcelo Ouma is the Swedish league player of the month.Congratulations Marcelo!#TheGamePlan pic.twitter.com/X4pVrOulTf— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) November 20, 2021 “I can’t say you need to work hard because sometimes you can work hard but without someone who shows you the way then it becomes difficult to realize your full potential. Secondly, you need to package yourself; put out videos showing your skills and what you can offer, and lastly take care of your body; your body is your tool, if you take good care of it, it will reward you,” he added.His consistent show for AIK has earned him a legion of fans, who are always eager to show him support whenever he takes to the field to deliver those pin point crosses. A sight of the Kenyan flag majestically flying in the stands at the Friends Arena in Solna, Stockholm on game days is now a commonplace. “In order for someone to appreciate you, you must perform first and make them happy. Even in other clubs, they don’t just erect a statue for you, you have to prove that you deserve one through your work.”Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma to the world❤#AIK #StarsAbroad pic.twitter.com/XdHZgNrgWA— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) December 16, 2021 It is this appreciation of Marcelo’s talent and performance that has opened opportunities for more Kenyan players at the club. Ex-Tusker FC forward Henry Meja and utility Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards) have since found a new home at AIK. “For a team to sign a player from the same country I think they consider, among other things, the performance of the player they previously signed from that country. AIK never signed players from Kenya before, but I think I have given them a reason to consider this market for more talent.”Crystal Palace of England, Germany’s Wolfsburg FC, Atalanta B.C of Italy are just some of the top European clubs who have been reported to be salivating for Marcelo’s signature, but he says that when the right time comes, he will know what the future holds for his career progress.Happy 26th birthday Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma 🎉. pic.twitter.com/9Kme0HIwGx— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) September 27, 2022 “There were many offers, but it was up to my club to agree with the suitors on transfer fees and other details which somehow become difficult, but let’s see what transpires in January. The aim of any player is to grow and play at the highest level, so that is my goal as well.”Playing professionally abroad, especially in Europe, where the game is more developed can be highly rewarding, but on the flip side, it also comes with its fair share of challenges and sacrifices to be made. Missing that one dish you so much enjoy is just one of them, but as for Marcelo, his Omena stock never runs out.”Omena is a special food which I enjoy. When you’re away from home, Kenyan food becomes more special, so you have to plan well because sometimes the food you find in a foreign country does not favour you. As for me, when I return home I make sure I carry enough Omena.”Omena (Silver Cyprinid in English) is rich in calcium, protein, vitamin D, Iron and Zinc. Moreover, eating Omena has been linked to a 20% lower risk of asthma in children, according to research.
